II. A rejected stone: “Set at nought of you the builders.” The Jews were the builders. They were erecting the building of their national life. When they came to Jesus, they found no place for him. They set him at nought.

2. Not content with this, they put him to death. They spurned the message and murdered the messenger.

III. A chosen stone: He “was made the head of the corner.” The blunder of the builders did not thwart the plan of the Almighty. (1 Pet. 2: 4, 7.)

1. Angels sang at his birth. (Luke 2: 8-14.)

2. He was shielded in his infancy. (Matt. 2: 13-23.)

3. He was acknowledged by the Father. (Matt. 3: 13-17.)

4. He was approved by mighty miracles. (Acts 2: 22.)

5. He was transfigured on “the holy mount.” (Matt. 17: 1-8.)

6. He was raised from the dead. (Rom. 1: 4.)

7. He was laid in Zion for a foundation. (Isa. 28: 16.)

IV. A stone of security: “In none other is there salvation,” etc. (John 6: 67, 68.)

1. An example to guide us. (1 Pet. 2: 21-23.)

2. A high priest to atone for us. (Heb. 9: 24.)

3. An advocate to intercede for us. (1 John 2: 1, 2.)

4. A mediator to stand between us and God. (1 Tim. 2: 5.)

5. It is through him and him alone that we have certainty of a happy immortality. (2 Tim. 1: 10.)

The apostle “puts his judged and accusers in the ridiculous attitude of builders laying the foundation of a house, but rejecting the stone which was cut for the corner, without which the foundation course could not be closed up, and no part of the wall could be built. Then, dropping the figure, he plainly declares that there is no salvation for man except in the name of the very Jesus whom they had crucified. This declaration is universal; and it shows that every human being who is saved at all will be saved in the name of Christ.” —McGarvey.

Every house that is built upon the sand will fall in the time of testing. But every house that is built upon the rock or the stone will stand forever. (Matt. 7: 24-27)— F. L.C.